As the seasons transition from warm to cool, my passion for baking reaches new heights in the autumn months alone. As autumn’s crisp air settles, I find myself drawn to the warmth of my kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked treats wafts through the air, beckoning me to indulge in a season of comfort and nostalgia. As autumn’s cozy atmosphere settles in, I find myself drawn to the warmth and comfort that only a perfectly baked treat can bring – and with the abundance of seasonal ingredients at my fingertips, it’s little wonder why fall is the season of sweet indulgence.
When you’re a frequent baker, you’re well aware that baking is both a precise scientific endeavour and a creative artistic expression. Vegan baking necessitates an understanding of how to modify traditional recipes by making informed substitutions for eggs, dairy products, and honey. With the right techniques and understanding of gluten-free baking, it’s surprisingly straightforward. Join us in celebrating the flavors and textures of autumn’s harvest with these 7 essential tips for gluten-free baking, and discover how to create a cornucopia of delicious treats that just happen to be gluten-free.
1. Use Seasonal Produce
Autumn’s bounty is often overlooked in favor of summer’s sweet harvest, yet it’s during this season that I revel in the abundance of my go-to ingredients for baking, with a symphony of flavors and textures waiting to be crafted into delectable treats. Fall is the quintessential apple-picking season, when the air is crisp and the orchards are abuzz with the promise of sweet and tangy treats – think scrumptious muffins, pies, cakes, and tarts, each bursting with juicy, flavorful apples that tantalize the taste buds. Late summer brings Bartlett pears, while fall welcomes Bosc and Comice varieties, with Anjou pears ripening in winter’s chill. Other fall fruits that stand out for their health benefits, stunning appearance, and celebratory flair are pomegranates and cranberries.
A classic dessert combining the sweetness of pears and the crunch of apples – what a delightful treat! My recipe for a healthier dessert option uses no refined sugar, instead incorporating only 2 tablespoons of natural sweetness. of pure Canadian maple syrup, exactly 2 tablespoons. of vegan butter. Using a blend of oatmeal and almonds yields a crispy and textured topping that diverges from the traditional dough-based approach.
The pear and apple filling is tenderly soft and indulgently sweet, infused with a blend of warm spices that evoke feelings of comfort and delight. As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to spend a cozy autumn night than indulging in this heavenly dessert alongside the one you adore by the warm glow of the fireplace. Preheat the oven to a moderate heat of 400°F. Combining 2 pears and 2 apples, cut into bite-sized portions, in a bowl, adds up to a satisfying mix, with 1 teaspoon of what joining the fruit party? ground cinnamon, ½ tsp. Ground allspice, a pinch of kosher salt, and one tablespoon. Chickpea (or other gluten-free) flour, one teaspoon. vanilla and 2 Tbs. fresh orange juice. Sprinkle the fruit evenly to ensure comprehensive coverage. Carefully transfer the luscious fruit filling into your prepared baking dish or individual ramekins.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of gluten-free oats, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, and 1/4 cup chickpea flour, with a light sprinkle of salt and 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 Tbs. melted butter or oil. Mix well. The topping mixture should have a texture that balances crumbliness with a hint of stickiness. Savor its flavor and determine whether it satisfies your sweet tooth. Crown the fruit filling with the crumbly oat topping. Compact it firmly into a uniform height. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust has achieved a golden-brown hue and the fruit filling begins to bubble and release its sweet aromas. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool and set for approximately 10 minutes. Savor this decadent treat on its own, or elevate the experience by serving it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream.
Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn by baking these delectable, gluten-free treats: a show-stopping Gluten-Free Blueberry Apple Pie Cake, the moistly perfect Vegan Pear Crumb Cake, and the sublime Delectable Cashew Citrus Cream Cake with Pomegranate.
As autumn’s arrival brings a kaleidoscope of color and change, the world becomes captivated by the humble pumpkin’s transformation into a symbol of the season. From lattes to waffles, and even savory dishes like pasta and pastries, pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient that finds its way into nearly every culinary creation. Beyond pumpkin, a variety of winter squashes like butternut and acorn offer a range of options for both sweet and savory culinary applications. As a staple of autumnal cuisine, sweet potatoes and carrots can be enjoyed throughout the year, but they truly shine in the fall season with their rich, warm flavors and inviting aromas. Indulge in the flavors of the season with a selection of gluten-free treats featuring seasonal vegetables as star ingredients: Pumpkin Mousse Tarts, Pumpkin Cornbread Squares, decadent Chocolate Cupcakes topped with rich Chocolate “Buttercream” Icing, and moist Carrot Cake with crunchy Walnuts and a tangy Cream Cheese Frosting.
2. Use Fall Spices and Flavors
Although I rarely consider spices in a seasonal context, certain spices are naturally linked to autumnal culinary traditions. These spices exude a warm, nutty aroma, with subtle notes of spiciness and sweetness that tantalize the senses. Spices in this diverse collection include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, chai blend, allspice, mace, star anise, cardamom, coriander, fennel, the complex five-spice mixture, and a variety of peppercorns. Discover the art of crafting a one-of-a-kind pumpkin pie spice blend in the comfort of your own kitchen.
My Chai Spice Cookies Filled to the brim with a rich blend of warm and aromatic fall spices. Like warm hugs on a winter’s day, these treats embody the essence of festive cheer, transporting you to a season of joy and celebration with each savory bite. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and food release. In a mug or small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of… ground flaxseed with 3 Tbs. warm water. Allow the mixture to stir and then let it sit undisturbed for exactly five minutes, allowing it to thicken into a viscous gel-like consistency. Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed dark brown sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Combine the sugar with these additional spices: two teaspoons of … ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground ginger, 1 tsp. ground cardamom, ½ tsp. ground allspice, ½ tsp. ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp. ground cloves and 1/8 tsp. black pepper. Set aside one-third of the sugar-spice mixture on a plate for future use.
Combining in a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of your preferred spice or seasonings. Xanthan or Guar Gum: 1 teaspoon. baking soda, ½ tsp. baking powder and ½ tsp. kosher salt. Thoroughly blend all ingredients together to ensure a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Combining one cup of rich, creamy vegan butter with the tantalizing blend of sugar and spices in a single, harmonious bowl. With a hand mixer, whip the sugar and butter together until they form a smooth, airy mixture that’s effortlessly combined. Combine the flax gel with 3 tablespoons. non-dairy milk and 1 tsp. vanilla until it is smooth. As you mix, incorporate the flour mixture gradually, in three equal portions, ensuring each addition is fully assimilated before proceeding, ultimately yielding a harmonious blend of wet and dry elements that coalesces into a cohesive dough.
Gently moisten your palms with water and shape the dough into small, uniform spheres by rolling spoonfuls between your fingers. Unless you prefer a bigger cookie, aim for balls that are approximately one inch in diameter. Carefully coat each ball with the pre-mixed sugar and spice blend, then arrange them evenly spaced, approximately one inch apart, on the prepared baking sheets. Gently use the backs of spoons or the bottoms of glasses to compress the meatballs into thin disks. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Should they be a rich, golden brown colour, with the slightest hint of caramelisation developing on their underside? Although they may appear slightly yielding at first glance, As they cool, they will naturally harden. Once they are done, carefully remove them from the oven to prevent any potential damage or mess. Allowing the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks facilitates a complete cooling process, ensuring optimal freshness and texture.
Flavours associated with autumn include notes of caramel, the richness of maple, and the earthy undertones of pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Gluten-free indulgences boasting these unique flavor profiles include Flourless Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, Oat and Pecan Cake paired with a tangy Vanilla Ginger Frosting, Iced Banana Pecan Cake, The World’s Healthiest Snickerdoodles, Sweet Potato Maple Mousse Pie, Hazelnut Cacao Torte, Spiced Chocolate Cake, and Vegan Cherry Pie infused with the nutty essence of Hemp Seeds and Walnuts.
3. Easy as Pie
I’ve always found the phrase “easy as pie” to be puzzling, considering the actual effort required to craft a decent pie from scratch. While bakers may have their individual approaches, there’s no denying that the perfect pie crust is a closely guarded secret among many of them. While making a gluten-free pie crust might initially appear intimidating, rest assured that it’s an achievable feat. Crafting a successful gluten-free pie crust requires attention to several key factors: ensuring that all ingredients are well-chilled, permitting the dough to rest, and adopting a gentle approach when shaping it – perhaps using fingers instead of a rolling pin to coax it into place, particularly if the dough proves fragile. Additionally, judiciously incorporating extra moisture in the form of butter or oil can work wonders in terms of texture and overall success. Gluten-free pie dough often exhibits a characteristic of being crumbly and fragile, prone to tearing at the slightest manipulation. Because it lacks the essential gluten, which provides dough its characteristic elasticity and structure, this bread simply won’t rise to the occasion without it. The added humidity enables the material to become silky and robust, allowing for effortless manipulation.
Instead of crafting a conventional pie, I utilized my trusted formula to create a delectable Mini Apple Galettes. These bite-sized treats are irresistibly adorable and require less effort to prepare compared to traditional pies. Because each guest receives their own personal galette, sharing is truly unnecessary. Combine 3 1/2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of your desired flavorings or spices to create the dough foundation. Combining xanthan or guar gum, one cup of cold vegan butter, and a quarter cup of coconut oil in a food processor. Work the dough until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Adding one-third cup of ice-cold water, I pulse the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough. Gently transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Form two halves into rounded disks. Carefully encase each disk in a layer of plastic wrap, then refrigerate them for exactly one hour to ensure optimal results.
Combining 4 thinly sliced apples and 1 tablespoon of [insert ingredient] in a large bowl creates a visually appealing and harmonious blend of textures and flavors. lemon juice, 1 Tbs. Brown rice flour (1 3/4 teaspoons) ground cinnamon, ½ tsp. ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Combine to thoroughly integrate and evenly cover all the apple slices with the desired ingredients. Add one-quarter cup of sugar and three tablespoons. water and mix everything well. Split the dough in two equal parts, then portion each half into four equal sections. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out each portion into an even, delicate circle measuring approximately six inches across. Place the dough circles onto baking sheets prepared with parchment paper for easy removal. Carefully place the apple filling at the center of each dough circle, maintaining a consistent one-inch perimeter around the edges. Gently fold the pastry’s edges upwards, enveloping the filling in a delicate yet secure manner. Proceed to shape the remaining dough into eight bite-sized galette portions. Brush the galettes with a light coating of non-dairy milk, then sprinkle evenly with two teaspoons of your desired topping or seasoning. sugar. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 40 minutes; midway through, rotate the pans to ensure even cooking. Allow to cool. Savor at room temperature or gently warmed alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Discover a world of gluten-free autumn pies that will tantalize your taste buds! Consider trying the scrumptious Vegan Apple of My Eye Pie with its crispy gluten-free crust, the sweet combination of Pear and Almond Tart, The World’s Healthiest Pumpkin Pie for a nutritious treat, Simple and Healthy Pecan Pumpkin Pie for a delightful twist on tradition, Chocolate Pumpkin Pie for a rich and decadent experience, or No-Bake Vegan Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Pie for a creamy, indulgent delight.
4. Bake Fresh Bread
The unmistakable aroma of freshly baked bread – does anything truly surpass its intoxicating allure, wafting through the air like a warm hug on a chilly morning? Baking gluten-free bread requires some practice to master, but with a few simple adjustments and an understanding of its unique characteristics, even novice bakers can achieve success. Gluten-free baking requires minimal kneading, making it an even more streamlined process. As the seasons change, incorporating autumnal flavors into your baked goods serves a dual purpose: it satisfies the palate with warm, comforting notes while also evoking cozy memories of harvest time. This unique hack adds depth and moisture to baked goods while also reducing cholesterol and saturated fat: simply substitute ¼ cup of pureed pumpkin, sweet potato, or squash for one egg in your favourite recipe. Beyond a passion for baking traditional loaves of bread, I have a profound fondness for crafting delectable biscuits. Regardless of whether you’re enjoying them with a sweet start to the day, paired with vegan butter and drizzled in maple syrup, or using them as a savory side dish to soak up the rich flavors of your mashed potatoes at dinnertime, my favorite waffles never fail to satisfy. Savory Pumpkin Spice Biscuit Triangles with Soy Feta Crumbles are flaky, tender, and delicious. Combining two cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour and one teaspoon of something unknown in a large bowl does not seem to be the most effective or precise method for creating a recipe. Xanthan or guar gum (1 tablespoon). + 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon). kosher salt. Mix well to combine. Combine 1 cup of non-dairy milk with ½ cup of melted vegan butter or olive oil; blend thoroughly to achieve a rich, thick batter consistency. Fold in 4 oz. vegan feta cheese crumbles. Dropping dough in ¼ cup increments, utilize a well-greased measuring cup to place the portions evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently brush melted milk onto the surfaces of the biscuits to add flavor and moisture. Preheat oven to 450°F and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Vegan enthusiasts and bread aficionados unite! Let’s bake a world of gluten-free breads that tantalize the taste buds while catering to dietary restrictions.
5. Try Raw
While raw desserts might not be traditional baking, there’s something to be said for the creative freedom that comes with skipping the oven altogether. Here are the delightful desserts that embody the essence of fall, boasting an impressive trifecta: delectable flavors, gluten-free goodness, and a healthy twist. With an abundance of delectable options at our fingertips, the constraints of practicality should hardly deter us from indulging in the culinary delights that await.
Indulge in an assortment of delectable treats: Pumpkin Cashew Cream Cake with rich chocolate sauce, crunchy Raw Pecan Spice Delight Cookies, decadent Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake, nutty Almond Cacao Cookies smothered in Salted Maca Caramel, fudgy Totally Wow Raw Brownies packed with pecan nuts, vibrant Delectable Cashew Citrus Cream Cake infused with pomegranate, creamy Ginger Chocolate Cups paired with Sesame-Cashew Butter and caramel, moist Raw Carrot Cake topped with tangy cashew cream cheese frosting, the simplicity of No Bake Coconut Pumpkin Pie, comforting Raw Pumpkin Pie, bite-sized Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes, or revisit the show-stopping Pumpkin Cashew Cream Cake with chocolate sauce.
As the seasons transition into autumn’s vibrant hues, bakers are gifted with an abundance of seasonal ingredients, including fresh produce, aromatic spices, and rich nuts, allowing for the creation of truly remarkable gluten-free baked goods that showcase the best of the season. Indulge in the flavors of autumn with these scrumptious fall treats that just happen to be gluten-free.
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